ALMOST TIME

crack of tree limb
resounded
reminder of home run hits

plumping pillows echoed
like muffled whomp in
catcher’s mitt

crunchy snow underfoot
cleats dig in to push off
for second base steal

settle for fast food Tex-Mex
crave ballpark nachos
smothered in cheesy jalapenos

favorite team t-shirt
sadly covered by sweater
under ski jacket

groundhog announced
six weeks until
baseball